8.
Risk Factors • Force: the amount of physical effort required to maintain control of equipment or tools, or to perform a task such as heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying • Repetition: performing the same motion or series of motions continually or frequently for an extended period of time with little variation such as prolonged typing, assembling components, and repetitive hand tool usage

9.
Risk Factors cont.• Awkward postures: refers to positions of the body that significantly deviate from the neutral position while performing job tasks such as working over- head, extended reaching, twisting, squatting, or kneeling• Static postures: refer to holding a fixed position or posture such as gripping tools that can’t be set down, standing in one place for prolonged periods

10.
Risk Factors cont.• Contact stress: results from occasional, repeated, or continuous contact between sensitive body tissues and hard or sharp objects like resting the wrist on the edge of a desk, or tool handles pressing into the palms

21.
Recent History• MSDs represent over half of all rated military disabilities and over one third of all reported civilian injuries and illnesses within the Marine Corps• In recent years there has been an increase in reporting MSDs for Marine Corps personnel which can be attributed to • Changes in work processes and work center risks • Advanced information technology and training have increased awareness

22.
Management Commitment andPersonnel Involvement• A partnership between all working levels is essential to prevent MSDs and reduce the risk in all workplaces • Management commitment provide the organizational resources and motivation to implement a strong ergo program • Personnel involvement is essential for identifying risks and developing effective abatement plans

24.
Engineering Controls• Engineering controls or techniques are the preferred mechanism for controlling ergonomic hazards• This may entail redesigning the work station, work methods, and tools to reduce the demands of the job, such as exertion, repetition, and awkward positions

26.
Work Station Design• Workstations must be easily adjustable toaccommodate the worker performing the task

27.
Training• Training should enable each person to recognize risk factors and understand procedures used to minimize the risks• Refresher training should be provided annually and retraining should be done when personnel are assigned to a new job with different risks, or new risks are discovered

28.
Back Injury Training• Anatomy and physiology to explain how the back works• Biomechanics of lifting• Weight control• How to avoid back injuries• Physical fitness

34.
Stretch and be Ready • Have you stretched your muscles or warmed up before lifting • Are you wearing slip resistant shoes • Have you cleared a pathway before you move the item

35.
Lift With Your Legs• Plant your feet firmly - get a stable base• Bend at your knees - not your waist• Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine• Get a good grip - use both hands• Keep the load close to your body• Use your leg muscles as you lift• Keep your back upright, keep it in its natural posture• Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking